This article explores the emotional geographies underpinning the experiences of temporary agricultural workers who migrate yearly to fields of labour in Canada. The research is based on a transnational qualitative study in Quebec, Mexico, and Guatemala. To provide a theoretical framework for this article, we bring the concepts of geoeconomics and geographies of emotion into conversation. We then briefly present the history and evolution of temporary agricultural work, highlighting its deeply racialized and gendered nature. We argue that the mobilization and interiorization of a particular form of masculinity and emotional expression are central to both the exploitation of workers and their acceptance of their working conditions. These forms of masculinity and emotional expression are tightly bound to the workers’ role as household providers. Workers demonstrate satisfaction and pride in fulfilling their roles while negotiating an ongoing fear of job loss if they do not comply with work expectations. We argue that this represents a new form of subaltern masculinity that underpins Canadian geoeconomic strategy.

Cet article présente les objectifs, la méthodologie et les résultats d’une recherche transnationale entre le Québec, l’Argentine et la Colombie menée sur deux ans (2014-2016) et portant sur les rapports sociaux de genre, la diversité et la construction démocratique des territoires. En contribution au courant d’innovation méthodologique et théorique dans le champ des pratiques de recherche partenariale, l’exposé se penche sur la fonction performative qui a caractérisé cette recherche. En libérant des espaces de narration, de dialogues publics et de mise en lien entre le proche et le lointain, ce type de recherche ouvre de nouvelles perspectives de compréhension et d’actualisation des acteurs.

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